Saturday, February 10, 2007

Mock Draft 1.0 -Lottery

Mock Draft time, I've watched a ton of NCAA games so far and have avoided putting together a mock until now. This draft is almost surreal, there are teams tanking the season in February just to get a shot at the top of the draft. Everyone knows the top two picks but aftet them the draft still looks very deep, especially with freshmen. Draft order is assumed at this point.

1. Boston Greg Oden C Ohio State - This Celtics team is an absolute monstrosity, mainly due to youth and injuries. I think management realizes if there is ever a year to throw in the towel this is it. With the selection of Oden I think you can pencil in the Celtics as a legit Eastern Conference contender right away. This kid is that good, and people need to realize Oden is playing hurt and without the full use of his dominant hand.

2. Memphis Kevin Durant F Texas - The entire package. I have seen impact freshman like Big Dog and Melo but Durant is really on another level. He is a legit 6'9 with a 7'2 wingspan, the comparison you see a lot is Kevin Garnett but Durant is much more fluid with the dribble and has a very good outside shot. He has already shown the ability to take over games and is contantly taking on double teams due to a mediocre Texas team this season. What a consolation prize.

3. Philadelphia Brandon Wright F North Carolina - Another freshman sensation but not on the same level as the previous two above. Really a force down low despite not having a big frame, will need to add muscle. One of the quickest big men in the NCAA. Would be a great fit in an up tempo offense that already has a proven scorer. The are concerns on whether he has the makeup to push himself to be a true star in the NBA.

4. Charlotte Spencer Hawes F Washington - This big man was initially going to enter the NBA draft coming out of high school but had to change his plans when the NBA instituted the one year in college rule. I had seen him in the McDonald's game where he looked good but didnt really stand out but after catching him play this season he looks like he has added muscle and shown more go to moves. He plays center now but would be outsized in a lot of matchups in the NBA, he will need to show more facing the basket skills and the ability to match up with bigger forwards/centers.

5. Phoenix (from Atlanta) Joakim Noah F Florida - Would have gone #1 overall if he entered last seasons draft. Very high motor and will do the dirty work to get wins. He could get bounced around a lot down low in the NBA and while he shoots a high FG percentage it's mainly due to putbacks and close range shots. He needs to show he can shoot effectively out to the foul line extended. Should be solid NBA player and is the "safe" pick in the lottery.

6. New Orleans Robin Lopez C Stanford - Legit seven footer, looks to me like the more polished of the brothers. True Center to a T. Very strong rebounder and also defends well, could help a teams front line immediately.

7. Seattle Julian Wright F Kansas - Wright really does a lot of things well but I'm not sure where his best skill lies. What really impresses me about Wright is his ball handling ability for a player of his size. He looks for the drive a lot and due to his quickness he can succeed doing that in college. His outside game will need to greatly improve to be a complete player.

8. Milwaukee Josh McRoberts F Duke - Another versatile player who looks like he could potentially be the star on the team but really isn't. Similar to Julian Wright but he has a much better shooting game and worse athletic ability. Outstanding length but will need to bulk out to play in the post in the NBA.

9. Portland Corey Brewer F Florida - Really think this kid is going to be a star in the NBA. Solid shooter, great athlete, and has good ball handling ability for a 6'8 player. Will play a lot of SG in the NBA. One of the best defenders I've seen so far this season.

10. Sacramento Al Horford F Florida - The third Florida Gator that will be drafted in the lottery. He gets over shadowed on this team at times but has a lot of skills that will translate to the next level. One is his shooting touch for a big man. he can stretch defenses out to the foul line and really open up an offense. Another is his size and hustle, can scrap for rebounds with anybody and showed that he can hold his own against bigger players like Greg Oden.

11. Chicago (from New York) Chase Budinger SG/SG Arizona - Projects to be a big time scorer after his one season in Zona. Is a true gunner in every sense, has great size and has no problem getting his shot off. One of the best athletes in the draft, rare skill for a white guy.

12. New Jersey Aaron Gray C Pittsburg - True center who has shown improvement this season. Still looks a little slow to me but can rebound and play effectively in the post. Will never be a dominant player or a star but can't be passed up here for a team desperate for size and good psot play.

13. Golden State Alondo Tucker F Wisconsin - Preseason Big Ten player of the year which says a lot in a loaded conference. Could be the national player of the year by the end of the season. Reminds me of a more offensively polished Tony Allen. Has also great defensive skills and runs the floor as good as anyone in the draft. Very versatile, in a lot of drafts he would go a lot higher.